While snoring is common, it can sometimes indicate a more serious obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) condition. If you or a loved one snores regularly, it’s essential to determine whether it’s merely a nuisance or a sign of an underlying health concern.
At South Florida ENT Associates (SFENTA), we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect sleep quality, including snoring and sleep apnea. With over 30 locations and a team of highly trained ENT doctors, we provide expert care to help patients understand the root causes of their snoring and find effective treatment solutions. Let’s look at sleep apnea, when your snoring could indicate apnea, and how we can help.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing, which can last at least ten seconds and occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupt restful sleep and lower oxygen levels in the blood.
This forces the heart to work harder and can contribute to serious health risks, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
While sleep apnea can cause loud and persistent snoring, not all snorers have OSA. The key difference is that people with sleep apnea often experience additional symptoms such as:
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking sensations while asleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing vibrations in the tissues of the throat. Common factors that contribute to snoring include:
- Nasal congestion or allergies
- Sleep position (back sleeping increases snoring)
- Alcohol consumption before bedtime
- Obesity and excess throat tissue
- Anatomical factors such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils
When Should You Be Concerned About Snoring?
Warning signs that your snoring may be a sign of a larger problem include:
- Snoring that is loud and persistent, often disturbing your partner’s sleep
- Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds during sleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems during the day
- Irritability, mood swings, or depression
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Restless sleep or frequent movement during the night
- Reduced libido or other changes in sexual function
Achieve Restful Sleep with SFENTA’s Personalized Care
At South Florida ENT Associates (SFENTA), we provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for snoring and sleep apnea individuals. With more than 30 locations across South Florida, we have made it easier than ever for patients to access expert ENT care close to home.
Our team stays at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring our patients receive cutting-edge treatments like Inspire® therapy, the Airlift™ procedure, and CPAP therapy to improve their quality of life.
If you or a loved one snores frequently and experiences signs of sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with SFENTA today to learn more about your treatment options and take the first step toward better sleep and overall health.
